US backs Japanese sovereignty over disputed islands after Putin visit
America Reinforces Tokyo's Claim to Northern Islands Following Putin's Historic Visit
Poinews.com – The United States has reaffirmed its backing of Japanese sovereignty over four contested islands that Moscow currently controls. This diplomatic support comes after Vladimir Putin made history as the first Russian president in fifteen years to travel to the disputed territory, a move that immediately triggered a strong reaction from Tokyo. Japanese officials summoned Russia's ambassador and characterized the presidential visit as "absolutely unacceptable."
George Glass, the American ambassador stationed in Tokyo, communicated Washington's position on the social media platform X. He emphasized that "The United States remains unwavering in its support of its most important ally and in its recognition of Japanese sovereignty over the Northern Territories." Glass further noted that "At a time when the US-Japan alliance is dedicated to cultivating prosperity across the Indo-Pacific, we strongly oppose any action that undermines its peace and stability."
A Decades-Long Territorial Dispute
The conflict between Moscow and Tokyo centers on four southernmost islands within a volcanic chain located off Hokkaido. The Soviet Union captured these territories during an invasion in August 1945, occurring in the closing days of World War II. Notably, Moscow had severed its formal neutrality agreement with Japan just days prior to launching the assault.
Tokyo continues to assert that the Northern Territories—comprising Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and Habomai—constitute legitimate Japanese land illegally seized by Soviet forces. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia has maintained its occupation of these areas. This ongoing disagreement has prevented the two nations from concluding a peace treaty that would officially terminate their wartime hostilities, even though they ended the state of war back in 1956.
Military Fortification of the Islands
Moscow has steadily increased its military footprint on the disputed territory. In December 2021, Russian forces installed Bastion coastal defense missile systems on an uninhabited volcanic island situated in the center of the chain. Before the Soviet occupation, this particular island housed a Japanese military installation. A Soviet base operating there had previously closed due to financial constraints following the Soviet collapse.
Earlier military enhancements included the deployment of Bal and Bastion missile systems on two of the southernmost islands in 2016. Over subsequent years, Russia continued strengthening its arsenal by introducing advanced air defense missile systems, establishing an air base on Etorofu Island, and stationing fighter aircraft in the region.
The islands hold considerable strategic value for the Kremlin. Their location at the entrance to the Sea of Okhotsk provides Russia's Pacific Fleet with direct access to the open Pacific Ocean without needing to navigate through waters controlled by Japan.
Japanese Government Responds
Putin's journey marked the first presidential visit to the islands since Dmitry Medvedev traveled there in 2010. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the media immediately following the event, declaring that "the Northern Territories are an inherent part of Japan's territory, both historically and under international law." She characterized the visit as something that "offends the sentiments of the Japanese people and is absolutely unacceptable."
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also issued a formal response, stating that Japan "strongly protests" Putin's presence on Etorofu, the largest of the four islands. In an official statement, Motegi reiterated that "The Northern Territories, including Etorofu Island, are Japan's inherent territory both historically and from the perspective of international law." The minister personally summoned Russian Ambassador Nikolay Nozdrev to the ministry in Tokyo to lodge a vigorous protest, instructing him to "promptly report the message back to Moscow."
Russian Reaction and Broader Context
Russia's embassy in Japan responded by confirming that the ambassador restated Moscow's position that the islands belong to Russia. The embassy emphasized that Putin's journey was "a matter for discussion with foreign states." The Kremlin celebrated the visit by releasing a video showing Putin on one of the four principal islands. Russian state television coverage depicted the president touring a fish-processing facility and sampling local caviar.
Takaichi warned that the visit represents another setback for bilateral relations, which were already strained due to the Ukraine conflict. Japan introduced sanctions against Russia following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Additionally, Tokyo implemented export restrictions on military-related technology and offered financial assistance to Ukraine. In retaliation, Russia classified Japan as an "unfriendly state."
Now, Tokyo is evaluating whether to intensify existing sanctions as a response to Putin's trip. Takaichi expressed concern about the long-term implications, stating, "We must say this visit has further hardened Japanese public sentiment toward Russia and has made it more difficult to restore bilateral relations in the medium to long term." She concluded by adding, "We hope the Russian side fully understands the seriousness of this."
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